Wellbutrin XL - Why do I feel so bad on Wellbutrin HCL XL?

I’ve been taking Wellbutrin HCL XL for about 3 weeks. I’m also on 50 mg. of Sertraline. I feel so bad. My ears ring, I can’t eat and I have no energy. Sometimes in the evening my heart races. I don’t think I can stick this out. I can’t call my Dr. until tomorrow. I dread taking it today but I guess I have to. I’m only taking it to get off of the sertraline which I take for mild anxiety and mild depression. Is this normal? If it is it isn’t worth it. Thanks.

Responses (4)

Hi, Nanney! Are you reducing your dosage of sertraline? What dosage of Wellbutrin are you taking? Why are you wanting off the sertraline?Sorry for all the questions... just trying to get a better picture of what's going on.What you're describing are "normal" side effects of stopping one medication and starting another, especially if you're not titrating your dosages.Generally, these side effects resolve within several weeks as your metabolism readjusts if you can just stick it out a while longer, but you definitely should consult with your prescribing physician tomorrow, describe what's going on, and get some professional advice. A simple dosage adjustment may solve the problem along with a little essence of time.Best regards and good luck to you! Wildcat

I reduced the sertraline from 100 to 50 mg about 10 days before I started the 150 mg of Wellbutrin. My husband and I began a Keto lifestyle 5 months ago. He was losing weight 4 times faster than me. We thought maybe the sertraline was the problem. So I cut it back, went to my doctor and he suggested the Wellbutrin XL. I began to cut back on the sertraline to ever other day per his instructions. After a while I just started felling crummy when the 10 days of being of the sertraline was over. Soooo I went back on the sertraline at 50 mg. It just so happens that I started taking Zyrtec for allergies during that time and this a.m. read that the side effects of Zyrtec are almost identical to Wellbutrin!!! I am so calling my Dr. in the morning!! Talk about confused! And the thought of food makes me want to barf. So that is that! Thanks for your input.

Hi, I came off sertraline too a few months ago due to weight gain and am now 5.5 weeks in on taking 150mg bupropion and like you am tired, lots of horrid side effects and depression worse. I would reallly love to hear what your doc says as I too am unsure what to do...

I’ve been taking Zyrtec or Allegra for years. When I took Wellbutrin 300mg I was insane & depressed. I’m now taking 25mg Zoloft which is the only antidepressant that I’ve found helps my depression. I’ve tried 37.5mg but couldn’t stay awake. I’m now trying only 150mg Wellbutrin “off label “ during my pms time to see if it helps my energy, so far it only seems to cause more anxiety. This month will be my second attempt at 150mg Wellbutrin, it may not be worth it...

That is amazing! I did read that cetirizine (Zyrtec) can make you feel worse on Wellbutrin. Well, how about that! I wish I had known as this is just miserable. I can’t believe it happened to you too. I’ll be calling my doctor first thing to see what to do.

CR

crazygirl6619 Aug 2018

Unfortunately I can rule out that the Zyrtec was the problem... it was the Wellbutrin. But you never know, everyone is different.

Glad you did your research. I have had only positives from Bupropion. My doctor also suggested XL then I went in with more research and I prefer SRs because I do not have as much come time to sleep. Also if you look at the release all of the types release about 70% quickly, so depending on my day, I may choose to wait to take my 2nd SR until I am ready to really start the day. Typically when awake and then a couple hours later to keep the boost.

It also helped my libido which was lower for years and I thought it was just getting a tad older. It doesn’t change my urge persay, but it makes things work more like it was years ago (Male)

I just always encourage people to allow your doctor to be your helper, but your own research will help you the most. Not obsessive, but constructive. If I hadn’t inquired about SR I’d probably need to knock myself out to goto sleep.

So congrats on finding a mistake, and let your doctor know the changes you made. Plus positive results.